1. Content interpretation
On March 18,2025, the National Film Bureau issued the "Notice on Promoting the Orderly Development of Virtual Reality Films," aiming to deepen the integration of virtual reality (VR) technology with the film industry, regulate emerging business models, and support the goal of building China a "film powerhouse." The notice provides the first clear definition of virtual reality films: these are new forms of cinema produced using VR (including AR and MR) technologies, viewed through head-mounted displays, and publicly screened in cinemas or other safety-compliant venues. Their core features include technological convergence, immersive experiences, and standardized screening environments.
In terms of content management, the notice requires production entities (legal persons or non-legal person organizations) to complete filing and review procedures. Script outlines must be registered with the National Film Bureau and obtain a filing certificate, while completed films require a "Film Public Screening License" for public screening, ensuring ideological integrity, artistic quality, and entertainment value. Regarding screening venue management: existing cinemas screening VR films must file with local authorities, while other permanent buildings meeting safety standards (such as shopping malls and cultural venues) need to apply for a "Film Screening Operation License" and connect to the national film ticketing management system for standardized supervision.
The development of technical standard systems serves as a crucial policy driver. Production, distribution, and screening entities must comply with national regulations regarding content creation, terminal equipment, playback software, and venue conditions to ensure stability, smooth operation, and security. The "General Technical Specifications for Virtual Reality Films" have completed public consultation, paving the way for establishing comprehensive industry standards across five key dimensions: content production, equipment, rendering, playback software, and venue requirements. The policy also clarifies industrial support measures, permitting VR films to participate equally in existing film production excellence initiatives and cinema subsidy programs. It encourages private sector innovation in technology R&D, revenue-sharing distribution models, and copyright protection, while leveraging the film industrys mature production ecosystem, digital rights management mechanisms, and talent reserves to empower VR technology advancement.
It is noteworthy that the policy focuses on "expanding incremental growth," targeting only VR works that meet film standards (such as cinema-screened content) while not interfering with existing business formats VR experience exhibitions in cultural tourism attractions and commercial complexes. By standardizing review processes, strengthening technical standards, and integrating industrial resources, this policy not only establishes a sustainable development framework for VR films but also provides institutional safeguards for Chinas film industry to explore new formats and stimulate new momentum.
2. Policy text
Notice of National Film Bureau on Promoting the Orderly Development of Virtual Reality Films
Guofangfa [2025] No.2
Provincial, autonomous regional and municipal film authorities, all film related units:
Movies are the product of the integration of cultural artistry and technological innovation. In recent years, virtual reality has emerged as a pivotal frontier in high-tech development, offering groundbreaking audiovisual experiences for cinema. To encourage experimentation with new technologies and exploration of emerging business models, while supporting the innovative integration of the film industry with virtual reality technology, the following notice is issued in accordance with the "Film Industry Promotion Law of the Peoples Republic of China" and relevant regulations to facilitate the orderly development of virtual reality films.
1. The term "virtual reality film" mentioned in this Notice refers to a new form of film produced with virtual reality (including augmented reality and mixed reality) technologies, viewed by virtual reality terminals such as head-mounted display devices, and publicly screened in fixed screening places such as cinemas.
II. Legal entities and unincorporated organizations producing virtual reality films must comply with the requirements stipulated in the "Film Industry Promotion Law of the Peoples Republic of China" and the "Regulations on Film Script (Synopsis) Filing and Film Administration". Entities planning to produce virtual reality films shall submit their synopsis scripts to the National Film Bureau for filing review procedures. The National Film Bureau will publish approved scripts and issue official certification documents. Successful applicants must submit completed virtual reality films to the National Film Bureau for final review and obtain a public screening license in accordance with legal requirements.
III. Support the development and utilization of cinema spaces or other permanent buildings meeting national safety standards for virtual reality film screenings. For virtual reality films shown in cinema spaces, screening operators may file with the film regulatory authority that approved their establishment. For screenings in other buildings, operators may apply for a "Film Screening Operation License" in accordance with relevant regulations. Screening venues that already hold or are applying for a "Film Screening Operation License" must connect to the national integrated movie ticketing information management system.
4. Virtual reality film production, distribution and screening units shall meet the technical standards of national regulations in terms of content production, virtual reality terminals such as head-mounted display devices, playback software and venues, and have good stability, fluency, safety and compatibility.
V. Encourage all film-related organizations and social entities to actively explore advancements in virtual reality (VR) film technology development, creative production, distribution, and exhibition. Support VR film industry chain enterprises in continuously enhancing technical capabilities and creative proficiency. Promote innovative integration in areas such as promotional distribution strategies, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and transmission supervision for VR films.
VI. The National Film Bureau shall provide support and guarantee for the development of virtual reality films. Provincial film authorities shall actively promote the development of virtual reality films according to local conditions.
The import of virtual reality films shall be implemented in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Regulations on the Administration of Films.
8. This Circular shall go effect as of the date of promulgation.
National Film Board
March 18,2025
